Compulsory School Age

[gahenty]

Is the start of the term after they turn 5.

So, if my child turns 5 on the 6th January, is it:

• In one council term starts on the 7th January, so the child is compulsory school age.
  
• In the other council term starts on the 3rd January, so the child isn't compulsory school age until after Easter.
  

or

• 'Term' starts on 1st month, so the child is compulsory school age after 1st April, as turns 5 after 1st January.
  

Help! I'm confused!

[MistyMeena]

If you're in the UK, school isn't compulsory at all! They can start whenever you want.

Usually they would start the September before 5th birthday.

[DetestableHerytike]

Term may in fact start on the same day but one council has inset days at the start of term.

Best to ask the relevant council direct!

[gahenty]

So, compulsory school age (which is a thing, misty) varies from council to council?

[DetestableHerytike]

No, I am saying term may start 3rd jan in both but one council had the first few days if term as inset days.

Best to ask the council, as I said.

[gahenty]

But it's not just inset days that make term dates vary by council.

Is it like early years funding, the 1st of the month, or does it vary by council?

[leghoul]

term after they turn 5
If turning 5 just before start of new term, then that new term would be the relevant one I would think and yes it does vary regionally and by just a few days
many schools seem to get this wrong and assume it is 5th birthday - they're wrong it's after Easter for a child turning 5 during the first term of the calendar year

[nancy75]

Most schools only have 1 intake now don't they? In September?

[DetestableHerytike]

I have nothing further to add on the subject than ask your council. Assume you are trying to find out for a reason to do with sending your DC to school only for summer term.

[NickNacks]

The cut offs for each term are 31st December, 31st March and 31st August regardless of the term dates.

[gahenty]

Don't assume.

NickNacks that's great, if true. Do you have a source?

[gahenty]

Which council? As I said, don't assume.

I'm trying to find out (and assume someone here is knowledgeable!) the legal position generally, on compulsory school age.

[DetestableHerytike]

Ok dokey.

Byesie bye.

[caroldecker]

There is no compulsory school age, only getting your child an education. You can home ed.

[SliceOfLime]

What NickNacks said is correct, it's in the School Admissions Code.

[SliceOfLime]

See footnote on p24 School Admisssions Code

[gahenty]

Fantastic! Thanks to those who knew the answer!

[gahenty]

FFS, there is a legal term 'compulsory school age'. I just wanted to know when it was. I know people home ed, great for you, but I needed clarity on the legal term.

Thank you!

[mrz]

The term "Compulsory School Age" is confusing. It does not actually mean that school is compulsory during the qualifying period. It does, however, mean that the parent or guardian of a child of "compulsory school age" has a duty to provide an education (subject to section 7 of the 1996 Education Act) during that period.

Your child is of "compulsory school age" on the 1st January, 1st April or 1st September following their 5th birthday.
Children becoming 5 years old between 1st January and 31st March are of compulsory school age at the beginning of the term after 1st April.
Children becoming 5 years old between 1st April and 31st August are of compulsory school age from the beginning of the term after 1st September.
Children becoming 5 years old between 1st September and 31st December are of compulsory school age from the beginning of the term after 1st January.